11.16.20 Forgot to Post This Then
I haven't added any new posts since back in June, I believe. This has been a long year. I know that not a whole lot will change come the new year, so I'm not going to say, "I can hardly wait for January." But January does bring longer days. By about the 10th, the lengthening days become visible. That means Spring is not too far behind. It has been a gloomy fall, although the fall foliage was incredibly brilliant. Michael and I spent a lot of time in the Saab convertible just driving through the countryside enjoying the display.
This is the year of COVID 19. Massachusetts has been under strict restrictions, although we, out here in this north, borderline community, have been able to relax far more than in the cities. We are required to wear masks when we go into stores. Here in Massachusetts, though, they want to make sure we wear masks whenever outside out homes. Winter is coming. The real question is, how much are we going to be outside our homes. Churches are still limited in the numbers that can actually attend. My family is afraid that we are going to catch it, so we won't be seeing them for a while. We've spent a lot of time wearing masks with family because of their activity. We are not celebrating Thanksgiving together and I expect Christmas is off the list as well. I haven't hugged or kissed my family since last March. I don't know when that will happen again. Today a second vaccine was announced, but I have no idea when this will be made available to me. I'm not sure I really care other than touching my family again. I am not given to depression, but I sure am feeling down.
I haven't done much quilting this year. I do have a quilt I'm trying to put on the frame, but my interest level is really down. I've prepared "My Gift to My Circle of Care" documents. This is an end of life plan for an at home, if possible, simple death. This sounds like why I should be depressed, but it is not. This was a practical endeavor while intertwined in the process was this wonderful series of verses on what death is like for a believer. I'm going home to be with the LORD. That works for me, but it isn't yet time to dwell on dying. There is still yet living to do.
I have also spent time in Bible Study. That is the one thing that picks me up. My Father and Savior are so faithful to me, even now. They are my one Hope. I spent time in Romans this summer sure hoping that my pastor would teach this book and he has. I am so grateful. I studied this book out on my own. It is the premier book written on the gospel. The apostle after many years of sharing the gospel wrote a letter to the Roman church of believers. This book is a culmination of all Paul had learned. I wanted Pastor Dave to teach this so that I was sure with confirmation that what I saw was accurate. Yes, I learned it right. I never know when someone will challenge me just because I'm me. But now I know that my study accomplished exactly what Jesus wanted it to accomplish. I know He was the one teaching me, but I wasn't sure I was reading it right although it is how I live. Dave, a pastor for many years has been teaching through this book; I now have full confidence that I have not misunderstood. Thank You, my LORD and Savior!! My Christian walk has not been an easy one in the churches. Who am I that I should know anything. Well, I don't apart from Jesus, but He has been faithful to satisfy my thirst even when no one was willing to hear me out. Thank You LORD Jesus!!
For today, I have to finish preparing my "Circle of Care" documents to that I can mail them out to my proxy as soon as I can. I've got to get her address. So for now, I'm done writing. Hopefully next year will be a little more productive as far as quilting is concerned. I have a lot of equipment and a lot of fabric. I don't even need to buy anything for a while.😊
So, to my beloved family, I miss you all and will all this winter long, but I'm hoping for a very blessed winter for you. Enjoy!
Counting all my blessings, all fifteen of you,
Love, Mom, Dianne, Grams
